The 2025 Basadi in Music Awards (BIMAs) are back, and this year’s nominations highlight the unstoppable rise of female Amapiano artists, with Zee Nxumalo, Kamo Mphela, and Pabi Cooper among the most celebrated stars of the moment.
The prestigious award ceremony, now in its third year, is a bold celebration of female excellence in the music industry—from vocalists and DJs to songwriters, stylists, and producers. Known for spotlighting both mainstream and behind-the-scenes talent, the BIMAs have become a powerful platform for empowering women in South African music.
Held on 19 June 2025, the official nominee ceremony kicked off what will be a ground-breaking two-part event celebrating women’s creativity, style, and musical influence.
Zee Nxumalo has emerged as one of the leading nominees, bagging multiple nods across major categories. Her emotional and widely loved track “Ngisakhuthanda” earned her a spot in both Song of the Year and Music Video of the Year, while she also secured nominations for Sofnfree Artist of the Year and Amapiano Artist of the Year.
Kamo Mphela, another fan favorite known for her energetic stage presence and fashion-forward image, is nominated in the Best Styled Artist of the Year category as well as for Sofnfree Artist of the Year and Amapiano Artist of the Year. Her continued influence across music, dance, and fashion is being rightfully recognized.
Other notable Amapiano queens nominated include Bassie, with nods for Song of the Year for “Kwelanga” and Amapiano Artist of the Year, and Pabi Cooper, whose song “Pabi Jo” earned her a Music Video of the Year nomination.
In the Collaboration of the Year category, standout female team-ups include Babalwa M and Yallunder’s powerful “Mthuthuzeli” and Boohle, DEE Koala, and K Mat’s high-energy hit “Iskhath’ Sam Manje.”
As Amapiano continues to dominate South Africa’s airwaves, the presence of so many talented women in this year’s BIMAs speaks volumes about the genre’s diversity and cultural power.
The main ceremony promises to be an unforgettable celebration of women who are shaping the sound and style of Mzansi’s music scene.
